Many people frequently refer to a headscarf of any sort as a hijab, so the meaning is often context-dependent. One of the most important purposes of hijab is to identify the wearer as an adherent of Islam.
The awrah for a woman shortly before and after she reaches puberty is from her head to her ankles. Most scholars agree that it’s acceptable to leave your face and hands uncovered, though not everyone agrees on whether you should cover your feet. [3] X Research source
“And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed. " [Quran 24:31] This verse is interpreted as the rules for both modesty and for veiling, and is the reason why most Muslims consider it a requirement to veil. “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and all the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not abused. " [Quran 33:59] This verse, prior to translation, uses the Arabic word jalabib (the plural of jilbab), which translates as “loose outer garments”. This is frequently interpreted to mean that Muslim women should wear loose clothing, rather than anything tight or form-fitting. [4] X Research source
It was narrated that Aisha said that the Prophet said, “Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a veil. " [Sunan Abi Dawud 641; classed as Sahih by Al-Albani][5] X Research source It was recorded that Safiya bint Shaiba said that Aisha said, “When [the Verse], “They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms” was revealed, the women cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their heads and faces with those torn pieces of cloth. " [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 282][6] X Research source Narrated Aisha, “The believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer [the dawn prayer] with Allah’s Apostle, and after finishing the prayer they would return to their home and nobody could recognize them because of darkness. " [Sahih al-Bukhari 578][7] X Research source
Some people believe that all girls should begin veiling by age nine, even if she hasn’t started puberty yet; others think it’s best to wait until signs of puberty appear (such as the developing of underarm or pubic hair, or the onset of periods). If no signs appear, then the girl will be considered an adult by age 15 in lunar years. [9] X Research source Other people introduce their daughters to wearing the hijab when they start learning their prayers at age seven, or by age 10 when the five-times daily prayer habit may be established. Most madrassas have rules requiring girls to wear the hijab when attending Qur’an classes, which could be as young as age five, as it helps them to develop their Muslim identity and to feel part of the global body of Muslims.
To not display your appearance (beauty) except what is already apparent (i. e. , your face and hands, and possibly your feet). To avoid showing hair on your head. To refrain from wearing tight clothing, so your figure isn’t exposed. To wear your hijab so that it covers your head, neck, and chest (though not all Muslims wear their hijab in this way). To avoid unveiling around those who are non-mahram. The use of makeup while wearing hijab is debated, since the use of makeup can draw attention to your features. Most people agree that light application of makeup is acceptable, though, as long as it wasn’t meant to draw the attention of others. [10] X Research source
Men who are considered family, such as your grandfathers, father, uncles, and nephews (however, this does not extend to cousins) Your spouse, in-laws, and children (including stepsons and grandchildren) Other Muslim women Children who are not close to reaching puberty Many Muslims have varying viewpoints on whether it’s okay to unveil around a non-Muslim woman; some believe it’s fine because you’re around a woman, but others believe that a non-Muslim woman could describe your appearance to others.
Don’t mistake the niqab for the burqa, which also fully covers the wearer, but has a small mesh paneling over the eyes. [16] X Research source It has a negative reputation, as it’s closely associated with the Taliban (as they forced women to wear burqas). Other types of head coverings include the al-amira, a two-piece tube-like scarf; the shayla, a long scarf that covers the head and is pinned at the shoulders; the khimar, a head covering that extends down to the waist; and the chador, a cloak that covers the head and is held closed by the hands. [17] X Research source
The hijab is not the end-all-be-all of Islam. There are many aspects of Islam, as well as many reasons why someone would or wouldn’t wear it.
Most bans on head coverings tend to apply to facial veils, like the niqab and the burqa. Bans on all types of headscarves are uncommon, but not unheard of. Conversely, some Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, require that women wear a veil. The consensus amongst Muslim scholars is that wearing the hijab after puberty is mandatory under Islamic law (Shariah). However, most non-Muslim countries do not legally mandate the hijab.
If you are not Muslim and want to wear the hijab anyway, it’s recommended not to do so, as the hijab is an act of worship. It may upset or annoy other Muslims if you wear it casually or like a fashion accessory.
Frequently switching between wearing and not wearing the hijab is discouraged, so if you can’t wear the hijab every day, you may want to wait until you can wear it regularly. Try not to find reasons for not wearing hijab, but embrace it as a gift from Allah.
While it is possible to wear the hijab when not with your housemates or family members, there’s potential for someone to see and mention it to your living partners (such as a teacher commenting about your hijab to your parents), so tread carefully. Alternatively, if you live in a Muslim family but don’t feel very connected to Islam, you may have to veil until you move out if you know your family would cause you physical or mental harm for not doing so.
The residents of some Muslim-majority areas may treat a lack of hijab as socially unacceptable, and those who have chosen not to veil in Islamic countries (e. g. Saudi Arabia or Iran) have received death threats and even been arrested. [18] X Research source In non-Muslim countries or neighbourhoods, it’s common to get odd looks or questions from those who aren’t familiar with Islam and might not be sure as to what you’re wearing. While they may be rude at times, that alone shouldn’t discourage you if you’d like to wear the hijab.
Wearing hijab doesn’t mean you have to wear thick clothes during the summer. Those who wear hijab often wear thin and loose (but not see-through) clothing, such as the abaya, to avoid overheating.
Being judged by your skills and intelligence rather than your appearance Not having to focus on your appearance as much Feeling closer to Islam and to Allah, as well as your Muslim friends and/or family Being easily identifiable as a Muslim, providing an opportunity to speak with others about Islam Being protected from unwanted stares Earning rewards from Allah that may help you to enter Jannah (Heaven)
Bullying, discrimination, or harassment[20] X Research source Difficulty in building relationships with non-Muslims[21] X Research source Drawing attention to yourself rather than diverting it[22] X Research source Being a “spokesperson” for Muslims or receiving many questions about Islam[23] X Research source It’s also important to note that the hijab will not protect you from sexual assault.
Try saying something like, “I respect your views and understand that you want me to do what you feel is best for me, but whether or not I wear the hijab is a decision between Allah and I. Please don’t tell me whether I should or shouldn’t wear it. " Remember that you can always choose whether to veil or unveil later on, remembering that Allah likes consistency in acts of worship.
Join Muslim groups, such as youth groups, events, clubs, study circles or mosques, where wearing the hijab is a choice. Perform religious duties such as praying, bodily cleansing, or fasting. Give money to charity (or, if you receive earnings, zakat), donate things such as food, clothes, or furniture, or volunteer. Celebrate Islamic holidays, such as the month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
If you want to veil but wouldn’t be safe wearing a hijab, consider other ways of covering your head, such as hats, or covering your neck using a scarf.
Remember that your hijab is an expression of your faith, and that you should be proud of it. It can be tricky to put on a hijab if you haven’t put one on yourself before. Try practicing a few times at home before going out and looking up tutorials online, and asking friends or family for help.
If you wear hijab and are asked why you wear it, try something like, “This is a hijab. I wear it because I’m Muslim and it brings me closer to God. " In contrast, if you don’t wear it and are asked about it, consider a response such as, “I don’t wear the hijab because I can’t wear it at my workplace due to safety issues. I don’t feel comfortable wearing it sometimes, but not other times. "
